第4章

\"ButthoucanstturnafaceofcheerTogooddaysstillinstore;

ThouneedstnotcareforPainorFear——

Theycannotharmtheemore。\"

YetIrodeonwithsullenheart,Andsaidwithbreakingbreath,\"IfthouartheIthinkthouart,Thenslaymenow,ODeath!\"

Theveilwasfrommyeyesightdrawn——

\"Thouknowestnow,\"saidhe:

\"IamtheAngeloftheDawn!

Rideback,andwaitforme。\"

SoIrodebackatmorninglight,Andthere,besidemybed,FearhadbecomealilywhiteAndPainaroseofred。

AliceWerner。

BannermanoftheDandenongIrodethroughtheBushintheburningnoon,Overthehillstomybride,——

Thetrackwasroughandthewaywaslong,AndBannermanoftheDandenong,Herodealongbymyside。

Aday\'smarchoffmyBeautifuldwelt,BytheMurraystreamsintheWest;——

Lightlyliltingagaylove-songRodeBannermanoftheDandenong,Withablood-redroseonhisbreast。

\"Red,redroseoftheWesternstreams\"

Wasthesonghesangthatday——

Truestcomradeinhourofneed,——

BayMathinnahispeerlesssteed——

Ihadmyowngoodgrey。

Therefellasparkontheuplandgrass——

ThedryBushleaptintoflame;——

AndIfeltmyheartgocoldasdeath,AndBannermansmiledandcaughthisbreath,——

ButIheardhimnameHername。

Downthehill-sidethefire-floodsrushed,Ontheroaringeasternwind;——

Neckandneckwastherecklessrace,——

Everthebaymarekeptherpace,Butthegreyhorsedroppedbehind。

Heturnedinthesaddle——\"Let\'schange,Isay!\"

Andhisbridlereinhedrew。

Hesprangtotheground,——\"Looksharp!\"hesaidWithabackwardtossofhiscurlyhead——

\"Iridelighterthanyou!\"

Downandup——itwasquicklydone——

Nowordstowastethatday!——

Swiftasaswallowshespedalong,ThegoodbaymarefromDandenong,——

AndBannermanrodethegrey。

ThehotairscorchedlikeafurnaceblastFromtheverymouthofHell:——

ThebluegumscaughtandblazedonhighLikeflamingpillarsintothesky;……

Thegreyhorsestaggeredandfell。

\"Ride,ride,lad,——rideforhersake!\"hecried;——

IntothegulfofflameWereswept,inlessthanabreathingspaceThelaughingeyes,andthecomelyface,AndthelipsthatnamedHERname。

Sheboremebravely,thegoodbaymare;——

Stunned,anddizzyandblind,Iheardthesoundofaminglingroar——

\'TwastheLachlanRiverthatrushedbefore,Andtheflamesthatrolledbehind。

Safe——safe,atNammooragate,Ifell,andlaylikeastone。

Olove!thinearmswereaboutmethen,Thywarmtearscalledmetolifeagain,——

But——OGod!thatIcamealone!——

Wedwellinpeace,mybeautifuloneAndI,bythestreamsintheWest,——

ButoftthroughthemistofmydreamsalongRidesBannermanoftheDandenong,Withtheblood-redroseonhisbreast。

EthelCastilla。

AnAustralianGirl\"She\'sprettytowalkwith,Andwittytotalkwith,Andpleasant,too,tothinkon。\"

SirJohnSuckling。

Shehasabeautyofherown,AbeautyofapalertoneThanEnglishbelles;

YetsouthernsunandsouthernairHavekissedhercheeks,untiltheywearThedaintytintsthatoftappearOnrosyshells。

Herfrank,cleareyesbespeakamindOld-worldtraditionsfailtobind。

SheisnotshyOrbold,butsimplyself-possessed;

HerindependenceaddsazestUntoherspeech,herpiquantjest,Herquaintreply。

O\'erclassicvolumesshewillporeWithjoy;andtruescholasticloreWilloftengain。

Insportsshebearsawaythebell,Nor,undermusic\'ssirenspell,Todancedivinely,flirtaswell,Doesshedisdain。

ASongofSydney(1894)

Highheadlandsalljealouslyhidethee,Ofairestofsea-girdledtowns!

ThineOcean-spousesmilethbesidethee,Whileeachheadlandthreatensandfrowns。

LikeVenice,upheldonsea-pinion,Andfatedtoreigno\'erthefree,Thouwearest,insignofdominion,Thezoneofthesea。

Nowinterthyfertileslopehardens,OnewFlorence,setintheSouth!

Alllandsgivetheirflowerstothygardens,Thatglowtothybrightharbour\'smouth;

ThewaratahandEngland\'sredrosesWithstatelymagnoliasentwine,Gaysunflowersfillsea-scentedcloses,Allsweetwithwoodbine。

Thyharbour\'sfairflower-crownedislandsSeeflagsofallcountriesunfurled,Thousmilestfromgreen,sunlithighlandsToopenthinearmstotheworld!

DarkEast\'sandfairWest\'semulationsResoundfromeachhill-shadowedquay,Andoverthesongsofallnations,Thevoiceofthesea。

FrancisWilliamLauderdaleAdams。

SomethingItissomethinginthisdarkerdreamdementedtohavewrestledwithitspleasureanditspain:

itissomethingtohavesinned,andhaverepented:

itissomethingtohavefailed,andtriedagain!

ItissomethingtohavelovedthebrightestBeautywithnohopeofaughtbutsilenceforyourvow:

itissomethingtohavetriedtodoyourduty:

itissomethingtobetrying,tryingnow!

And,inthesilentsolemnhours,whenyoursoulfloatsdownthefarfaintfloodoftime——

tothinkofEarth\'sloverswhoareours,ofhersaviourssaving,suffering,sublime:

AndthatyouwithTHESEmaybeherlover,withTHESEmaysaveandsufferforhersake——

ITISJOYTOHAVELIVED,SOTODISCOVER

YOU\'VEALIFEYOUCANGIVEANDSHECANTAKE!

Gordon\'sGraveAlltheheatandtheglowandthehushofthesummerafternoon;

thescentofthesweet-briarbushoverbowinggrass-bladesandbroom;

thebirdsthatflitandpass;

singingthesongheknows,thegrass-hopperinthegrass;

thevoiceoftheshe-oakboughs。

Ah,andtheshatteredcolumncrownedwiththepoet\'swreath。

Who,whokeepssilentandsolemnhispassingplacebeneath?

~ThiswasapoetthatlovedGod\'sbreath;

hislifewasapassionatequest;

helookeddowndeepinthewellsofdeath,andnowheistakinghisrest。~

ToA。L。GordonInnight-longdays,inaeonswhereallTime\'snightsareone;

wherelifeanddeathsingpaeansasofGreeksandGalileans,neverbegunordone;

wherefate,theslowswoopingcondor,comesgloomingallthesky——

asyouhaveponderedIponder,asyouhavewanderedIwander,asyouhavedied,shallIdie?

LoveandDeathDeath?isitdeathyougive?Sobeit!ODeath,thouhastbeenlongmyfriend,andnowthypalecoolcheekshallhavemykiss,whilethefaintbreathexpiresonthystilllips,OlovelyDeath!

Comethen,loosehands,fairLife,withoutawail!

We\'vehadgoodhourstogether,andyouweresweetwhattimelovewhisperedwiththenightingale,tho\'everyourmusicbythelark\'swouldfail。

Comethen,loosehands!Ourlovertimeisdone。

Nowisthemarriagewiththeeternalsun。

Thehoursarefewthatrest,arefewandfleet。

Good-bye!Thegameislost:thegameiswon。

ThomasWilliamHeney。

AbsenceAh,happyairthat,roughorsoft,Maykissthatfaceandstay;

AndhappybeamsthatfromaboveMaychoosetohertheirway;

AndhappyflowersthatnowandthenTouchlipsmoresweetthanthey!

ButitwerenotsoblesttobeOrlightorairorrose;

ThosedaintyfingerstearandtossThebloomthatinthemglows;

Andcomeorgo,bothwindandraySheheedsnot,ifsheknows。

ButifIcomethychoiceshouldbeEithertoloveornot——

ForifImightIwouldnotkissAndthenbeallforgot;

AnditwerebestthylovetoloseIfloveself-scornbegot。

ARiverinaRoadNowwhilesomanyturnwithloveandlongingTowanlandslyinginthegreyNorthSea,Totheeweturn,hearts,mem\'ries,allbelonging,Dearlandofours,tothee。

West,everwest,withthestrongsunshinemarchingBeyondthemountains,farfromthissoftcoast,Untilwealmostseethegreatplainsarching,Inendlessmiragelost。

Alandofcampswhereseldomissojourning,Wheremenlikethedimfathersofourrace,Haltforatime,andnextday,unreturning,Fareeveronapace。

LastnighthowmanyaleapingblazeaffrightedThewailingbirdsofpassageintheirfile;

AnddawnseesashesdeadandemberswhitedWheremenhaddweltawhile。

Thesunmayburn,themirageshiftandvanishAndfadeandglarebyturnsalongthesky;

ThehazeofheatmayallthedistancebanishTotheuncaringeye。

Byspeech,ortongueofbirdorbrute,unbrokenSilencemaybrooduponthelifelessplain,Noranysign,faroffornear,betokenManinthisvastdomain。

Thoughtendergracethelandscapelacks,toospacious,Impassive,silent,lonely,tobefair,Theirkindnessswiftlycomesmoresoftandgracious,Wholiveortarrythere。

Allthathehas,incamporhomestead,proffersTostrangerguestatonceastrangerhost,Proudesttoseeacceptedwhatheoffers,Givenwithoutaboast。

Pass,ifyoucan,thedrover\'scattlestringingAlongthemilesofthewidetravelledroad,Withoutachallengethroughthehotdustringing,Kindthoughabruptthemode。

Acloudofdustwherepolish\'dwheelsareflashingPassesalong,andinitrollsthemail。

ComesfromtheboxasonthecoachgoesdashingThelonelydriver\'shail。

OrinthetrackastationyoungstermountedSitsinhissaddlesmokingfora\"spell\",Ridesawhileonward;then,hisnewsrecounted,Partswithabrieffarewell。

To-daytheseplainsmayseemafacedefiant,Turn\'dtoamortalfoe,yetscorningfear;

Aswhen,withheavenatwar,anEarth-borngiantSawtheOlympiannear。

Comeyetagain!Nochild\'sfairfaceissweeterWithyoungdelightthanthiscoolbloomingland,Silentnomore,forsongsthanwingsarefleeter,Noblaze,butsunshinebland。

ThusinherlikenessthatstrangenaturemouldingMakesmanasmoody,sadandsavagetoo;

Yetinhisheart,likeher,apassionholding,Unselfish,kindandtrue。

Therefore,whilemanyturnwithloveandlongingTowanlandslyingonthegreyNorthSea,To-daypossessedbyothermem\'riesthrongingWeturn,wildWest,tothee!

23rdDecember,1891。

PatrickEdwardQuinn。

AGirl\'sGrave\"Aged17,OFABROKENHEART,January1st,1841。\"

Whatstoryishereofbrokenlove,Whatidyllicsadromance,WhatarrowfrettedthesilkendoveThatmetwithsuchgrimmischance?

Ipictureyou,sleeperoflongago,Whenyoutrifledanddancedandsmiled,Allgoldenlaughterandbeauty\'sglowInagirllifesweetandwild。

Hairwiththeredgold\'sluringtinge,Fineasthefinestsilk,VioleteyeswithagoldenfringeAndcheeksofrosesandmilk。

Somethingofthisyoumusthavebeen,Somethinggentleandsweet,TohavebrokenyourheartatseventeenAnddiedinsuchsaddefeat。

Hardlyoneofyourkinsfolklive,Itwasallsolongago,ThetaleofthecruellovetogiveThatlaidyouheresolow。

Loving,trusting,andfoullypaid——

Thestoryiseasilyguessed,AblottedsunandskiesthatfadeAndthisgrass-growngravetherest。

Whateverthecynicmaysourlysay,Withadashoftruth,Iween,Ofthegirlsoftheperiod,inyourdayTheyhadheartsatseventeen。

Deadofafashionoutofdate,SuchfollyhaspassedawayLikethehoopandpatchandmodishgaitThatwentoutwithanolderday。

Thestoneisbatteredandallawry,Thewordscanbescarcelyread,TherankreedsclusteringthickandhighOveryourburiedhead。

IpluckonestraightasaPaynim\'slanceTokeepyourmemorygreen,ForthelordlysakeofoldRomanceAndyourown,sadseventeen。

JohnSandes。

`WithDeath\'sPropheticEar\'

Laymyrifleherebesideme,setmyBibleonmybreast,Foramomentletthewarningbuglescease;

AsthecenturyisclosingIamgoingtomyrest,Lord,lettestThouThyservantgoinpeace。

Butloudthroughallthebuglesringsacadenceinmineear,Andonthewindsmyhopesofpeacearestrowed。

ThosewindsthatwaftthevoicesthatalreadyIcanhearOftherooi-baatjessingingontheroad。

Yes,thered-coatsarereturning,Icanhearthesteadytramp,Aftertwentyyearsofwaiting,lulledtosleep,SincerankandfileatPotchefstroomwehemmedthemintheircamp,AndcutthemupatBronkerspruitlikesheep。

TheyshelledusatIngogo,butwegallopedintorange,AndweshottheBritishgunnerswheretheyshowed。

Iguessedtheywouldreturntous,Iknewthechancemustchange——

Hark!therooi-baatjessingingontheroad!

Butnowfromsnow-sweptCanada,fromIndia\'storridplains,FromloneAustralianoutposts,hitherled,Obeyingtheircommando,astheyheardthebugle\'sstrains,Themeninbrownhavejoinedthemeninred。

TheycometofindthecoloursatMajubaleftandlost,Theycometopayusbackthedebttheyowed;

AndIhearnewvoiceslifted,andIseestrangecolourstossed,\'Midtherooi-baatjessingingontheroad。

Theold,oldfaithsmustfalter,andtheold,oldcreedsmustfail——

Ihearitinthatdistantmurmurlow——

Theold,oldorderchanges,and\'tisvainforustorail,Thegreatworlddoesnotwantus——wemustgo。

Andveldt,andspruit,andkopjetothestrangerwillbelong,Nomoretotrekbeforehimweshallload;

Toowell,toowell,Iknowit,forIhearitinthesongOftherooi-baatjessingingontheroad。

InezK。Hyland。

ToaWaveWherewereyouyesterday?InGulistan,Withrosesandthefrenziednightingales?

RatherwouldIbelieveyoushiningranWithpeacefulfloods,wherethesoftvoiceprevailsOfbuildingdovesinlordlytreessethigh,Treeswhichencloseahomewhereloveabides——

Hisloveandhers,apassionedecstasy;

YourtonehascaughtitsechoandderidesMyjoylesslot,asfacedownpressedIlieUpontheshiftingsand,andhearthereedsVoicingathin,dissonantthrenodyUntothecliffandwind-tormentedweeds。

Aswiththefainthalf-lightsofjadetowardTheshoreyoucomeandshowaviolethue,IwonderifthefaceofmyadoredWaseverheldimportraituredbyyou。

Ah,no!ifyouhadseenhisface,stillprestWithinyourholdthepicturedearwouldbe,LikethatbrightportraitwhichsomovedthebreastOffairestGurdwithsoftunrestthatshe,Borninicehalls,shewhobutraisedhereyesAndscornfulquestioned,\"Whatislove,indeed?

Noneeverviewedit\'neaththesenorthernskies,\"——

Seeingthefacesoonlearnedlove\'sgentlecreed;

Butyouholdnothingtobecounteddear——

Onlyagiftofweedandbrokenshells;

YetIwillgatherone,soIcanhearThesoftremembrancewhichstillinitdwells:

Forintheshell,thoughbroken,everliesThemurmuroftheseawhenceitwastorn——

Soinawoman\'sheartthereneverdiesThememoryoflove,thoughlovebelorn。

BreadandWineAcupofopalThroughwhichthereglowsThecreamofthepearl,Theheartoftherose;

AndtheblueoftheseaWhereAustralialies,AndtheamberflushOfhersunsetskies,AndtheemeraldtintsOfthedragonflyShallstainmycupWiththeirbrilliantdye。

AndintothiscupIwouldpourthewineOfyouthandhealthAndthegiftsdivineOfmusicandsong,AndthesweetcontentWhichmusteverbelongToalifewellspent。

AndwhatbreadwouldIbreakWithmywine,thinkyou?

ThebreadofaloveThatispureandtrue。

GeorgeEssexEvans。

AnAustralianSymphonyNotasthesongsofotherlandsHersongshallbeWheredimHerpurpleshore-linestandsAbovethesea!

Aserstshestood,shestandsalone;

Herinspirationisherown。

FromsunlitplainstomangrovestrandsNotasthesongsofotherlandsHersongshallbe。

OSouthernSingers!Richandsweet,Likechimesofbells,ThecadenceswingswithrhythmicbeatThemusicswells;

Butundertones,weird,mournful,strong,Sweeplikeswiftcurrentsthro\'thesong。

Indeepestchords,withpassionfraught,Insoftestnotesofsweetestthought,Thissadnessdwells。

Isthishersong,soweirdlystrange,Somixedwithpain,Thatwhereso\'erherpoetsrangeIsheardthestrain?

BroodstherenospellupontheairButdesolationanddespair?

Novoice,saveSorrow\'s,tointrudeUponhermountainsolitudeOrsun-kissedplain?

ThesilenceandthesunshinecreepWithsoftcaressO\'erbillowyplainandmountainsteepAndwilderness——

Avelvettouch,asubtlebreath,Assweetaslove,ascalmasdeath,Onearth,onair,sosoft,sofine,TillallthesoulaspelldivineO\'ershadoweth。

Thegraygumsbythelonelycreek,Thestar-crownedheight,Thewind-sweptplain,thedimbluepeak,Thecoldwhitelight,ThesolitudespreadnearandfarAroundthecamp-fire\'stinystar,Thehorse-bell\'smelodyremote,Thecurlew\'smelancholynoteAcrossthenight。

Thesehavetheirmessage;yetfromtheseOursongshavethrownO\'erallourAustralhillsandleasOnesombretone。

Whencedoththemournfulkeynotestart?

FromthepuredepthsofNature\'sheart?

OrfromtheheartofhimwhosingsAnddeemshishanduponthestringsIsNature\'sown?

Couldtintsbedeeper,skieslessdim,Moresoftandfair,Dappledwithmilk-whitecloudsthatswimInfaintestair?

Thesoftmosssleepsuponthestone,Greenscrub-vinetraceriesenthroneThedeadgraytrunks,andbouldersred,RoofedbythepineandcarpetedWithmaidenhair。

Butfarandnear,o\'ereach,o\'erall,Above,below,HangsthegreatsilencelikeapallSofterthansnow。

Notsorrowisthespellitbrings,Butthoughtsofcalmer,purerthings,Likethesweettouchofhandswelove,Awoman\'stendernessaboveAfeveredbrow。

Thesepurplehills,theseyellowleas,Theseforestslone,Thesemangroveshores,theseshimmeringseas,Thissummerzone——

ShalltheyinspirenonoblerstrainThansongsofbitternessandpain?

Strikeherwildharpwithfirmerhand,Andsendhermusicthro\'theland,Withloftiertone!……

Hersongissilence;untoherItsmysteryclings。

SilenceistheinterpreterOfdeeperthings。

OforsonorousvoiceandstrongTochangethatsilenceintosong,TogivethatmelodyreleaseWhichsleepsinthedeepheartofpeaceWithfoldedwings!

ANocturneLikewearysea-birdsspentwithflightAndfaltering,TheslowhoursbeatacrossthenightOnleadenwing。

ThewildbirdknowswhererestshallbeSoe\'erheroam。

Heartofmyheart!apartfromtheeIhavenohome。

Afarfromthee,yetnotalone,Heartofmyheart!

LikesomesofthauntingwhisperblownFromHeaventhouart。

IhearthemagicmusicrollItswavesdivine;

ThesubtlefragranceofthysoulHaspassedtomine。

NordawnnorHeavenmyheartcanknowSavethatwhichliesInlightsandshadesthatcomeandgoInthysofteyes。

HereinthenightIdreamtheday,Byloveupborne,Whenthysweeteyesshallshineandsay\"Itisthemorn!\"

APastoralNaturefeelsthetouchofnoon;

Notarustlestirsthegrass;

Notashadowflecksthesky,Savethebrownhawkhoveringnigh;

NotarippledimstheglassOfthewidelagoon。

Darkly,likeanarmedhostSeenafaragainsttheblue,Risethehills,andyellow-greySleepstheplainincoveandbay,LikeashiningseathatdreamsRoundasilentcoast。

Fromtheheartofthesebluehills,Likethejoythatflowsfrompeace,CreepstheriverfarbelowFringedwithwillow,sinuous,slow。

SurelyherethereseemssurceaseFromthecarethatkills。

SurelyheremightradiantLoveFillwithhappinesshiscup,Wherethepurplelucerne-bloomFloodstheairwithsweetperfume,Nature\'sincensefloatingupTotheGodsabove。

\'Neaththegnarled-boughedappletreesMotionlessthecattlestand;

Chequeredcornfield,homesteadwhite,Sleepinginthestreaminglight,Fordeeptranceiso\'ertheland,Andthewingsofpeace。

Here,OPowerthatmovestheheart,Thouartinthequietair;

Here,unvexedofcodeorcreed,Manmaybreathehisbitterneed;

NorwithimpiouslipsdeclareWhatThouwertandart。

AllthestrongsoulsoftheraceThro\'theaeonsthathaverun,TheyhavecriedaloudtoThee——

\"Thouartthatwhichstirsinme!\"

AstheflameleapstowardsthesunTheyhavesoughtThyface。

Butthefaithshavefloweredandflown,Andthetruthisbutinpart;

ManyacreedandmanyagradeForThypurposeThouhastmade。

NonecanknowTheewhatThouart,Fathomless!Unknown!

TheWomenoftheWestTheyleftthevine-wreathedcottageandthemansiononthehill,Thehousesinthebusystreetswherelifeisneverstill,Thepleasuresofthecity,andthefriendstheycherishedbest:

Forlovetheyfacedthewilderness——theWomenoftheWest。

Theroar,andrush,andfeverofthecitydiedaway,Andtheold-timejoysandfaces——theyweregoneformanyaday;

Intheirplacethelurchingcoach-wheel,orthecreakingbullockchains,O\'ertheeverlastingsamenessofthenever-endingplains。

Intheslab-built,zinc-roofedhomesteadofsomelatelytakenrun,Inthetentbesidethebankmentofarailwayjustbegun,Inthehutsonnewselections,inthecampsofman\'sunrest,OnthefrontiersoftheNation,livetheWomenoftheWest。

Theredsunrobstheirbeauty,and,inwearinessandpain,Theslowyearsstealthenamelessgracethatnevercomesagain;

Andtherearehoursmencannotsoothe,andwordsmencannotsay——

Thenearestwoman\'sfacemaybeahundredmilesaway。

Thewidebushholdsthesecretsoftheirlonginganddesires,Whenthewhitestarsinreverencelighttheirholyaltarfires,Andsilence,likethetouchofGod,sinksdeepintothebreast——

PerchanceHehearsandunderstandstheWomenoftheWest。

Forthemnotrumpetsoundsthecall,nopoetplieshisarts——

Theyonlyhearthebeatingoftheirgallant,lovinghearts。

Buttheyhavesungwithsilentlivesthesongallsongsabove——

Theholinessofsacrifice,thedignityoflove。

Wellhaveweheldourfather\'screed。Nocallhaspassedusby。

Wefacedandfoughtthewilderness,wesentoursonstodie。

Andwehaveheartstodoanddare,andyet,o\'eralltherest,TheheartsthatmadetheNationweretheWomenoftheWest。

MaryColborne-Veel。

`WhatLookhathShe?\'

Whatlookhathshe,Whatmajestie,Thatmustsohighapproveher?

WhatgracesmoveThatIsolove,ThatIsogreatlyloveher?

NomajestieButTruthhathShe;

Thoughtssweetandgraciousmoveher;

ThatstraightapproveMyhearttolove,Andallmylifetoloveher!

SaturdayNightSaturdaynightinthecrowdedtown;

Pleasureandpaingoingupanddown,MurmuringlowontheeartherebeatEchoesunceasingofvoiceandfeet。

Witheredage,withitsloadofcare,Comeinthistumultoflifetoshare,Childhoodgladinitsradiancebrief,Happiest-heartedorbowedwithgrief,Meetalike,asthestarslookdownWeekbyweekonthecrowdedtown。

~Andinakingdomofmystery,RaptfromthiswearifulworldtoseeMagicsightsintheyellowglare,Breathingdelightinthegas-litair,Carelessofsorrow,ofgrieforpain,Twobytwo,againandagain,StrephonandChloetogethermove,WalkinginArcady,landoflove。~

WhatarethemeaningsthatburdenallThesemurmuringvoicesthatriseandfall?

Tragedieswhisperedof,secretstold,Overthebasketsofboughtandsold;

Joyousspeechofthelatelywed;

Brokenlamentingsthatnamethedead:

Endlessrunesofthegossip\'srede,Andgatheredhomewiththeweeklyneed,KindlygreetingsasneighboursmeetThereinthestirofthebusystreet。

ThenistheglareofthegaslightrayGiftedwithpotencystrangeto-day,Recordsoftime-writtenhistoryFlashintosightaseachfacegoesby。

There,asthehundredsslowmovinggo,Eachwithhisburdenofjoyorwoe,Souls,inthemeetingofstranger\'seyes,Startledthiskinshiptorecognise,——

Meetandpart,asthestarslookdown,Weekbyweekonthecrowdedtown。

~Andstill,inthemidstofthebusyhum,Raptintheirdreamofdelighttheycome。

Heedlessofsorrow,ofgrieforcare,Wanderingoninenchantedair,Farfromthehauntingshadowofpain:

Twobytwo,againandagain,StrephonandChloetogethermove,WalkinginArcady,landoflove。~

`Resurgam\'

(AutumnSong)

ChillbreezesmoaningareWhereleaveshangyellow:

O\'erthegreyhillsafarFliesthelastswallow;

Tocomeagain,mylove,tocomeagainBlithewiththesummer。

ButAh!thelongmonthserewewelcomethenThatbrightnewcomer。

ColdlietheflowersanddeadWhereleavesarefalling。

MeeklytheybowedandspedAtAutumn\'scalling。

Tocomeagain,mylove,tocomeagainBlithewiththeswallow。

Ah!mightIdreaminglieatresttillthen,Orriseandfollow!

Thesummerbloomsaregone,Andbrightbirdsdarting;

Coldliestheearthforlorn;

Andweareparting。

Tomeetagain,mylove,tomeetagainIndeathlessgreeting,Butah!whatwintrybitternessofpainErethatfarmeeting!

DistantAuthors\"AquiestaencerradaelalmalicenciadoPedroGarcias。\"

Dearbooks!andeachthelivingsoul,Ourheartsaver,ofmenunseen,Whosepowertostrengthen,charm,control,Surmountsallearth\'sgreenmilesbetween。

ForusatleasttheartistsshowApartfromfretofwork-dayjars:

Weknowthembutasfriendsmayknow,Ortheyareknownbeyondthestars。

Theirmirth,theirgrief,theirsoul\'sdesire,Whentwilightmurmuringofstreams,Orskiesfartouchedbysunsetfire,Exaltthemtopureworldsofdreams;

Theirloveofgood;theirrageatwrong;

Theirhourswhenstrugglingthoughtmakesway;

TheirhourswhenfancydriftstosongLightlyandgladasbird-trillsmay;

Allthesearetruths。AndifastrueMoregracelessscrutinythatreads,\"Thesefruitsamidstrangehuskinggrew;\"

\"Theseliliesblossomedamongstweeds;\"

Herenodespoilingdoubtsshallblow,Nofretoffeud,ofwork-dayjars。

Weknowthembutasfriendsmayknow,Ortheyareknownbeyondthestars。

JohnBernardO\'Hara。

HappyCreekThelittlecreekgoeswindingThro\'gumsofwhiteandblue,AsilverarmAroundthefarmItflings,alovertrue;

Andsoftly,wheretherusheslean,Itsings(Osweetandlow)

Alover\'ssong,Andwindsalong,Howhappy——loversknow!

ThelittlecreekgoessingingBymaidenhairandmoss,AlongitsbanksInrosyranksThewildflowerswaveandtoss;

AndeverwherethefernsdipdownItsings(Osweetandlow)

Alover\'ssong,Andwindsalong,Howhappy——loversknow!

Thelittlecreektakescolour,Fromsummerskiesabove;

Nowblue,nowgold,ItswatersfoldThecloudsinclosestlove;

ButloudlywhenthethundersrollItsings(norsweet,norlow)

Nolover\'ssong,Butsweepsalong,Howangry——loversknow!

ThelittlecreekforeverGoeswinding,windingdown,Away,away,Bynight,byday,Wheredarktherangesfrown;

Buteverasitglidesitsings,Itsings(Osweetandlow)

Alover\'ssong,Andwindsalong,Howhappy——loversknow!

ACountryVillageAmongthefoldinghillsItlies,aquietnook,WheredreamingnaturefillsSweetpagesofherbook,WhilethroughthemeadowflowersShesingsinsummerhours,OrwedsthewoodlandrillsLow-laughingtothebrook。

ThegraveyardwhitelygleamsAcrossthesoundlessvale,Sosad,sosweet,yetseemsAwatchercoldandpaleThatwaitsthroughmanyspringsThetributeoldTimebrings,Andknows,thoughlifebeloud,Thereapermaynotfail。

HerecomenotfeetofchangeFromyeartofadingyear;

RingedbytherollingrangeNoworld-widenotesmenhear。

ThewheelsoftimemaystandHereinalonelyland,AgeafteragemaypassUntouchedofchangeorcheer;

AsstillthefarmerkeepsThesamedullroundofthings;

Hereapsandsowsandreaps,Andclings,asivyclings,Toold-timetrust,norcaresWhatsciencedoesordares,Whatlevermovestheworld,Whatprogressspreadsitswings。

Yethere,ofwomanborn,Arelivesthatknownotrest,WithfiercedesiresthatscornThequietlifeasbest;

ThatseeinwiderwaysLife\'srichersplendoursblaze,Andfeelambition\'sfireBurnintheirardentbreast。

Yea,somethatfainwouldknowLife\'spurposestrangeandvast,Howwideishumanwoe,WhatwailingofthepastStillstrikesthepresentdumb,WhatphantomsgoandcomeOfwrongsthatcryaloud,\"Atlast,OGod!atlast!\"

Here,too,aredreamsthatwingRichregionsofRomance;

LovewakingwhentheSpringBeginsitsfirstwilddance,Loveredderthantherose,Lovepalerthanthesnows,LovefrailascornthattiltsWithmorningwindsalance。

ForneverlandsoloneThatlovecouldfindnotwingsIneverywindthat\'sblownBylipsofjewelledsprings,Forloveislife\'ssweetpain,AndwhensweetlifeisslainItfindsaradiantrestBeyondthechangeofthings。

Beyondtheshocksthatjar,Thechanceofchangingfate,Wherefraudandviolenceare,Andheedlesslustandhate;

Yetstillwherefaithisclear,Andhonourheldmostdear,AndhopethatseeksthedawnLooksupwithheartelate。

FlindersHelefthisislandhomeForleaguesofsleeplessfoam,Forstressofalienseas,Wherewildwindseverblow;

ForEngland\'ssakehesoughtFreshfieldsoffame,andfoughtAstormyworldfortheseAhundredyearsago。

AndwheretheAustralshoreHeardsouthwardfartheroarOfrisingtidesthatcameFromlandsoficeandsnow,BeneathagraciousskyTofadelessmemoryHeleftadeathlessnameAhundredyearsago。

Yea,leftanamesublimeFromthatwilddawnofTime,WhoselighthehaplysawInsupremesunriseflow,Andfromtheshadowsvast,Thatfilledthedimdeadpast,Abrighterglorydraw,Ahundredyearsago。

Perchance,hesawindreamsBesideoursunlitstreamsInsomemajestichourOldEngland\'sbannersblow;

Mayhap,theradiantmornOfthisgreatnationborn,Augustwithperfectpower,Ahundredyearsago。

Weknownot,——yetfortheeFarmaytheseasonbe,WhoseharpinshamefulsleepIssoundlesslyinglow!

FarbethenotelesshourThatholdsoffamenoflowerForthosewhodaredourdeepAhundredyearsago。

M。A。Sinclair。

TheChatelaineIhavebuiltone,sohaveyou;

Pavedwithmarble,domedwithblue,Battlementandladies\'bower,Donjonkeepandwatchman\'stower。

Ihaveclimbed,asyouhavedone,Tothetoweratsetofsun——

Cryingfromitsparlousheight,\"Watchman,tellusofthenight。\"

Ihavestolenatmidnightbell,Likeyou,tothesecretcell,Shudderingatitscharnelbreath——

Leftlockfastthespectre,Death。

IhaveusedyourluretocallChoicegueststomygoldenhall:

Rarelywelcome,rarelyfreeTomyhospitality。

InaglowofrosylightHours,likeminutes,taketheirflight——

Asfromyoutheyfledaway,When,likeyou,Ibadethemstay。

Ah!theprettyflowofwit,Andthegoodheartsunderit;

WhilethewheelsoflifegoroundWithamostmelodioussound。

NotavestigeanywhereOfourgrimfamiliar,Care——

Roses!fromthetreesofyoreBloomingbytheriversfour。

Notajar,andnotafret;

Ecstasyandlongingmet。

ButwhyshouldIthusdefine——

Isnotyourchateaulikemine?

ScarcelywereitstrangetomeetInthatmagicrealmsosweet,So!I\'lltakethisdreamlandtrainBoundformychateauinSpain。

SydneyJephcott。

ChaucerOgraciousmorningeglantine,MakingthefaroldEnglishwaysdivine!

Thoughfromthystockourmatelessrosewasbred,Stainingtheworld\'sskieswithitsred,Ourgardengivesnoscentsofreshasthine,Sweet,thorny-seemingeglantine。

WhitePaperSmoothwhitepaper\'neaththepen;

Richestfieldthatironploughs,Germinatingthoughtsofmen,Thoughnoheavenitsrainallows;

Tilltheyripen,thousandfold,Andourspiritsreapthecorn,Inaday-longdreamofgold;

Foodforallthesoulsunborn。

Likethemurmuroftheearth,Whenwelistenstoopinglow;

Likethesapthatsingsinmirth,Hasteningupthetreesthatgrow;

EvermoreatinysongSingsthepenuntoit,whileThought\'selixirflowsalong,DivinerthantheholyNile。

Greaterthanthespheringsea,Foritholdstheseaandland;

SeedofallideastobeDownitscurrentbornelikesand。

HowourfathersinthedarkPoredonittheplansobscure,Bystar-lightorstake-firesstarkTracingtherethepathsecure。

ThepoorpaperdrawnaskanceWiththespellofTruthhalf-known,HoldsbackHellofignorance,Roaringroundus,thronged,alone。

Owhitelistofchampions,Spiritborn,andschooledforfight,Mailedinarmourofthesun\'sWhoshallwinourutmostright!

Thinkofpaperlightlysold,WhichfewpencehadmadetoodearOnitsblanktohaveenscrolledBeatrice,Lucifer,orLear!

ThinkofpaperMiltontook,Written,inhishandstofeel,MusingofwhatthingsalookDownitspageswouldreveal。

OthegloriousHeavenwroughtByCadmeansoulsofyore,Frompureelementofthought!

Andthyleavestheyareitsdoor!

Lighttheyopen,andwestandPastthesovereigntyofFate,Gladamongstthem,calmandgrand,TheCreatorsandCreate!

SplittingMorning。

Outfromthehutatbreakofday,Andupthehillsinthedawninggrey;

WiththeyoungwindflowingFromtheblueeast,growingRedwiththewhitesun\'sray!

Loneandclearasadeep-brightdreamUndermid-night\'sandmid-slumber\'sstream,Uprisesthemountagainstthesunriseshower,Vastasakingdom,fairasaflower:

O\'eritdoththefoamoffoliagereamInvividsoftnessserene,Pearly-purpleandmarblegreen;

Clearintheirminglingtinges,UpawaytothecrestthatfringesSkiesstuddedwithcloud-cragssheen。

Day。

Likebirdsfrayedfromtheirlurking-shaw,Likeripplesfleet\'neathafuriousflaw,Theechoesre-echo,flyingDownfromthemaulshot-plying;

Clattertheaxes,gridesthesaw。

Ruddyandwhitethechipsout-spring,Likemoneysownbyapageantking;

Thefreewoodyieldstothedrivenwedges,Withitswhitesap-edges,Andheartinthesunshineglistening。

Broadlytheice-clearazurefloodsdown,Wherethegreattree-topsareoverthrown;

Asonthroughtheendlessdaywelabour;

Thesunforournearestneighbour,Upo\'erthemountainslone。

Andsointenselyitdothillume,Thatitshutsbytimestogloom;

Intheopenspacesthrilling;

FromthedeadleavesdistillingAhotandharshperfume。

Evening。

Giveover!AllthevalleysinsightFill,fillwiththerisingtideofnight;

Whilethesunsetwithgold-dustbridgesTheblack-ravinedridges,Whosemightymusclescurveinitslight。

Inourwearyclimb,whilenightdyesdeep,Downthebrokenandstonysteep,HowourjadedbodiesareshakenByeachstepinhalf-blindnesstaken——

One\'sthoughtslieheapedlikebrutesasleep。

Openthedoorofthedismalhut,SilenceanddarknesslonewereshutInit,asatidalpool,untilreturningNightdrownstheland,——noember\'sburning,——

Oneistoowearythefoodtocut。

Bodyandsoulwitheveryblow,Wastedforever,andwhowillknow,Where,pastthismountainednightoftoiling,Redlifeinitsthousandveinsisboiling,Ofchipsscatteredonthemountain\'sbrow?

Home-woeThewreckageofsomename-forgottenbarque,Half-buriedbythedolorousshore;

WheretothelivingwatersnevermoreTheirurgentbillowspour;

Butthesaltspraycanreachandcark——

Soliesmyspirit,lonelyandforlorn,OnBeing\'sstrangeandperilousstrand。

AndrustedswordandfleshlesshandPointfromthesmotheringsand;

Andanchorchainlessandout-worn。

Buto\'erwhatDeep,unconqueredanduncharted,Andsteeringbywhatvanishedstar;

Andwheremydim-imaginedconsortsare,Orhiddenharbourfar,Fromwhencemysails,unblessed,departed,Canmemory,norstillintuitionteach。

AndsoIwatchwithalieneyesThisWorld\'sremoteandunrememberedskies;

WhilearoundmewearyriseThebabblingsofaforeignspeech。

ABalladofthelastKingofThuleTherewasaKingofThuleWhomaWitch-wifestoleatbirth;

Inacountryknownbutnewly,Allunderthedumb,hugeEarth。

ThatKing\'sinaForesttoiling;

AndheneverthegreenswarddelvesButheseesallhisgreenwavesboilingOverhissandsandshelves;

Inthesesunsetsvastandfiery,InthesedawnsdivineheseesHy-Brasil,MannanandEire,AndtheIsleofAppletrees;

Hewatches,heart-stillandbreathless,Thecloudsthroughthedeepdaytrailing,Asthewhite-wingedvesselsgathered,Intohisharbourssailing;

RankedIbisandlazyEaglesInthegreatblueflamemayrise,Butne\'erSea-meworSolanbeatingUpthroughtheirgreylowskies;

Whenthestorm-ledfiresarebreaking,Greatwavesofthemoltennight,DeepinhiseyescomesachingTheicyBorealLight……

O,lostKing,andO,peopleperished,YourThulehasgrownonegrave!

Unvisitedasuncherished,Savebythewanderingwave!

Thebillowsburstinhisdoorways,Thesprayswoopsoverhiswalls!——

O,hisbannersthatthrobdishonouredO\'erarmsthathideinhishalls——

Deservedisyourdesolation!——

WhycouldyounotstirandsaveThelast-bornheirofyournation?——

SoldintotheSouth,aslaveTillhedies,andisburieddulyInthehotAustralianearth——

Thelorn,lostKingofThule,WhomaWitch-wifestoleatbirth。

AFragmentBut,underall,myheartbelievesthedayWasnotdivineroverAthens,norTheWestwindsweeterthro\'theCycladesThanhereandnow;andfromthealtarofTo-dayTheeloquent,quicktonguesofflameupriseAsfervid,ifnotunfalteringasofold,AndlifeatoneswithspeedandplenitudeForcoarsertexture。Ourpoorpresentwill,Farinthebroodingfuture,makeapastFullofthemorning\'smusicstill,andstarredWithgreattearsshiningontheeyelids\'eavesOfourimmortalfacesyearningt\'wardsthesun。

AndrewBartonPaterson(`Banjo\')。

TheDaylightisDyingThedaylightisdyingAwayinthewest,ThewildbirdsareflyingInsilencetorest;

InleafageandfrondageWhereshadowsaredeep,Theypasstotheirbondage——

Thekingdomofsleep。

AndwatchedintheirsleepingBystarsintheheight,Theyrestinyourkeeping,Oh,wonderfulnight。

WhennightdothhergloriesOfstarshineunfold,\'TisthenthatthestoriesOfbushlandaretold。

UnnumberedIholdthemInmemoriesbright,Butwhocouldunfoldthem,Orreadthemaright?

BeyondalldenialsThestarsintheirgloriesThebreezeinthemyallsArepartofthesestories。

Thewavingofgrasses,ThesongoftheriverThatsingsasitpassesForeverandever,Thehobble-chains\'rattle,Thecallingofbirds,ThelowingofcattleMustblendwiththewords。

Withoutthese,indeed,youWouldfinditerelong,AsthoughIshouldreadyouThewordsofasongThatlamelywouldlingerWhenlackingtherune,Thevoiceofthesinger,Theliltofthetune。

But,asonehalf-hearingAnold-timerefrain,Withmemoryclearing,Recallsitagain,Thesetales,roughlywroughtofThebushanditsways,MaycallbackathoughtofThewanderingdays。

And,blendingwitheachInthemem\'riesthatthrong,TherehaplyshallreachYousomeechoofsong。

ClancyoftheOverflowIhadwrittenhimaletterwhichIhad,forwantofbetterKnowledge,senttowhereImethimdowntheLachlan,yearsago,HewasshearingwhenIknewhim,soIsentthelettertohim,Just\"onspec\",addressedasfollows,\"Clancy,ofTheOverflow\"。

Andananswercamedirectedinawritingunexpected,(AndIthinkthesamewaswrittenwithathumb-naildippedintar)

\'Twashisshearingmatewhowroteit,andverbatimIwillquoteit:

\"Clancy\'sgonetoQueenslanddroving,andwedon\'tknowwhereheare。\"……

InmywilderraticfancyvisionscometomeofClancyGonea-droving\"downtheCooper\"wheretheWesterndroversgo;

Asthestockareslowlystringing,Clancyridesbehindthemsinging,Forthedrover\'slifehaspleasuresthatthetownsfolkneverknow。

Andthebushhathfriendstomeethim,andtheirkindlyvoicesgreethimInthemurmurofthebreezesandtheriveronitsbars,Andheseesthevisionsplendidofthesunlitplainsextended,Andatnightthewondrousgloryoftheeverlastingstars……

Iamsittinginmydingylittleoffice,whereastingyRayofsunlightstrugglesfeeblydownbetweenthehousestall,Andthefoetidairandgrittyofthedusty,dirtycity,Throughtheopenwindowfloating,spreadsitsfoulnessoverall。

Andinplaceoflowingcattle,IcanhearthefiendishrattleOfthetramwaysandthe\'busesmakinghurrydownthestreet,Andthelanguageuninvitingofthegutterchildrenfighting,Comesfitfullyandfaintlythroughtheceaselesstrampoffeet。

Andthehurryingpeopledauntme,andtheirpallidfaceshauntmeAstheyshoulderoneanotherintheirrushandnervoushaste,Withtheireagereyesandgreedy,andtheirstuntedformsandweedy,Fortownsfolkhavenotimetogrow,theyhavenotimetowaste。

AndIsomehowratherfancythatI\'dliketochangewithClancy,Liketotakeaturnatdrovingwheretheseasonscomeandgo,Whilehefacedtheroundeternalofthecash-bookandthejournal——

ButIdoubthe\'dsuittheoffice,Clancy,of\"TheOverflow\"。

BlackSwansAsIlieatrestonapatchofcloverIntheWesternParkwhenthedayisdone,IwatchasthewildblackswansflyoverWiththeirphalanxturnedtothesinkingsun;

AndIheartheclangoftheirleadercryingToalaggingmateintherearwardflying,Andtheyfadeawayinthedarknessdying,Wherethestarsaremusteringonebyone。

Oh!yewildblackswans,\'twereaworldofwonderForawhiletojoininyourwestwardflight,Withthestarsaboveandthedimearthunder,Throughthecoolingairofthegloriousnight。

Aswesweptalongonourpinionswinging,Weshouldcatchthechimeofachurch-bellringing,Orthedistantnoteofatorrentsinging,Orthefar-offflashofastationlight。

Fromthenorthernlakeswiththereedsandrushes,Wherethehillsareclothedwithapurplehaze,Wherethebell-birdschimeandthesongsofthrushesMakemusicsweetinthejunglemaze,Theywillholdtheircoursetothewestwardever,Tilltheyreachthebanksoftheoldgreyriver,Wherethewaterswash,andthereed-bedsquiverIntheburningheatofthesummerdays。

Oh!yestrangewildbirds,willyebearagreetingTothefolkthatliveinthatwesternland?

Thenforeverysweepofyourpinionsbeating,Yeshallbearawishtothesunburntband,TothestalwartmenwhoarestoutlyfightingWiththeheatanddroughtandthedust-stormsmiting,Yetwhoselifesomehowhasastrangeinviting,Whenoncetotheworktheyhaveputtheirhand。

Facingityet!Oh,myfriendstout-hearted,Whatdoesitmatterforrainorshine,Forthehopesdeferredandthegaindeparted?

Nothingcouldconquerthatheartofthine。

AndthyhealthandstrengtharebeyondconfessingAstheonlyjoysthatareworthpossessing。

MaythedaystocomebeasrichinblessingAsthedayswespentintheauldlangsyne。

Iwouldfaingobacktotheoldgreyriver,Totheoldbushdayswhenourheartswerelight,But,alas!thosedaystheyhavefledforever,Theyareliketheswansthathavesweptfromsight。

AndIknowfullwellthatthestrangers\'facesWouldmeetusnowinourdearestplaces;

ForourdayisdeadandhasleftnotracesButthethoughtsthatliveinmymindto-night。

Therearefolklongdead,andourheartswouldsicken——

Wewouldgrieveforthemwithabitterpain,Ifthepastcouldliveandthedeadcouldquicken,Wethenmightturntothatlifeagain。

Butonlonelynightswewouldhearthemcalling,Weshouldheartheirstepsonthepathwaysfalling,WeshouldloathethelifewithahateappallingInourlonelyridesbytheridgeandplain……

Inthesilentparkisascentofclover,Andthedistantroarofthetownisdead,AndIhearoncemoreastheswansflyoverTheirfar-offclamourfromoverhead。

Theyareflyingwest,bytheirinstinctguided,Andformanlikewiseishisfatedecided,AndgriefsapportionedandjoysdividedByamightypowerwithapurposedread。

TheTravellingPostOfficeTherovingbreezescomeandgo,thereedbedssweepandsway,Thesleepyrivermurmurslow,andloitersonitsway,Itisthelandoflotso\'timealongtheCastlereagh。

Theoldman\'ssonhadleftthefarm,hefounditdullandslow,HedriftedtothegreatNorth-westwherealltheroversgo。

\"He\'sgonesolong,\"theoldmansaid,\"he\'sdroppedrightoutofmind,Butifyou\'dwritealinetohimI\'dtakeitverykind;

He\'sshearinghereandfencingthere,akindofwaifandstray,He\'sdrovingnowwithConroy\'ssheepalongtheCastlereagh。

Thesheeparetravellingforthegrass,andtravellingveryslow;

TheymaybeatMundoorannow,orpasttheOverflow,OrtrampingdowntheblacksoilflatsacrossbyWaddiwong,Butallthoselittlecountrytownswouldsendtheletterwrong,Themailman,ifhe\'sextratired,wouldpasstheminhissleep,It\'ssafesttoaddressthenoteto`CareofConroy\'ssheep\',Forfiveandtwentythousandheadcanscarcelygoastray,Youwriteto`CareofConroy\'ssheepalongtheCastlereagh\'。\"……

Byrockandridgeandriversidethewesternmailhasgone,AcrossthegreatBlueMountainRangetotakethatletteron。

Amomentonthetopmostgradewhileopenfiredoorsglare,Shepauseslikealivingthingtobreathethemountainair,ThenlaunchesdowntheothersideacrosstheplainsawayTobearthatnoteto\"Conroy\'ssheepalongtheCastlereagh\"。

Andnowbycoachandmailman\'sbagitgoesfromtowntotown,AndConroy\'sGapandConroy\'sCreekhavemarkedit\"furtherdown\"。

Beneathaskyofdeepestbluewherenevercloudabides,Aspeckuponthewasteofplainthelonelymailmanrides。

WherefiercehotwindshavesetthepineandmyallboughsasweepHehailstheshearerspassingbyfornewsofConroy\'ssheep。

Bybiglagoonswherewildfowlplayandcrestedpigeonsflock,Bycampfireswherethedroversridearoundtheirrestlessstock,AndpasttheteamstertoilingdowntofetchthewoolawayMyletterchasesConroy\'ssheepalongtheCastlereagh。

TheOldAustralianWaysTheLondonlightsarefarabeamBehindabankofcloud,Alongtheshorethegaslightsgleam,Thegaleispipingloud;

AnddowntheChannel,gropingblind,WedriveherthroughthehazeTowardsthelandweleftbehind——

Thegoodoldlandof\"nevermind\",AndoldAustralianways。

ThenarrowwaysofEnglishfolkArenotforsuchaswe;

Theybearthelong-accustomedyokeOfstaidconservancy:

Butallourroadsarenewandstrange,AndthroughourbloodthererunsThevagabondingloveofchangeThatdroveuswestwardoftherangeAndwestwardofthesuns。

ThecityfolkgotoandfroBehindaprison\'sbars,TheyneverfeelthebreezesblowAndneverseethestars;

TheyneverhearinblossomedtreesThemusiclowandsweetOfwildbirdsmakingmelodies,NorcatchthelittlelaughingbreezeThatwhispersinthewheat。

OurfatherscameofrovingstockThatcouldnotfixedabide:

AndwehavefollowedfieldandflockSincee\'erwelearnttoride;

Byminer\'scampandshearingshed,Inlandofheatanddrought,Wefollowedwhereourfortunesled,WithfortunealwaysonaheadAndalwaysfurtherout。

Thewindisinthebarley-grass,Thewattlesareinbloom;

ThebreezesgreetusastheypassWithhoney-sweetperfume;

TheparrakeetsgoscreamingbyWithflashofgoldenwing,Andfromtheswampthewild-duckscryTheirlong-drawnnoteofrevelry,RejoicingattheSpring。

SothrowthewearypenasideAndletthepapersrest,ForwemustsaddleupandrideTowardsthebluehill\'sbreast;

AndwemusttravelfarandfastAcrosstheirruggedmaze,TofindtheSpringofYouthatlast,AndcallbackfromtheburiedpastTheoldAustralianways。

WhenClancytookthedrover\'strackInyearsoflongago,HedriftedtotheouterbackBeyondtheOverflow;

Byrollingplainandrockyshelf,Withstockwhipinhishand,Hereachedatlast,ohluckyelf!

TheTownofCome-and-help-yourselfInRough-and-readyLand。

AndifitbethatyouwouldknowThetracksheusedtoride,ThenyoumustsaddleupandgoBeyondtheQueenslandside——

Beyondthereachofruleorlaw,Toridethelongdaythrough,InNature\'shomestead——filledwithawe:

YouthenmightseewhatClancysawAndknowwhatClancyknew。

BytheGreyGulf-WaterFartotheNorthwardthereliesaland,Awonderfullandthatthewindsblowover,AndnonemayfathomnorunderstandThecharmitholdsfortherestlessrover;

Agreatgreychaos——alandhalfmade,Whereendlessspaceisandnolifestirreth;

AndthesoulofamanwillrecoilafraidFromthesphinx-likevisagethatNatureweareth。

ButoldDameNature,thoughscornful,cravesHerdoleofdeathandhershareofslaughter;

ManyindeedarethenamelessgravesWherehervictimssleepbytheGreyGulf-water。

Slowlyandslowlythosegreystreamsglide,Driftingalongwithalanguidmotion,Lappingthereed-bedsoneitherside,WendingtheirwaytotheNorthernOcean。

GreyaretheplainswheretheemuspassSilentandslow,withtheirstaiddemeanour;

Overthedeadmen\'sgravesthegrassMaybeiswavingatriflegreener。

DownintheworldwherementoilandspinDameNaturesmilesasman\'shandhastaughther;

OnlythedeadmenhersmilescanwinInthegreatlonelandbytheGreyGulf-water。

Forthestrengthofmanisaninsect\'sstrengthInthefaceofthatmightyplainandriver,Andthelifeofamanisamoment\'slengthTothelifeofthestreamthatwillrunforever。

AndsoitcomeththeytakenopartInsmall-worldworries;eachhardyroverRidethabroadandislightofheart,Withtheplainsaroundandtheblueskyover。

AndupintheheavensthebrownlarksingsThesongsthatthestrangewildlandhastaughther;

Fullofthanksgivinghersweetsongrings——

AndIwishIwerebackbytheGreyGulf-water。

JessieMackay。

TheGreyCompanyOthegrey,greycompanyOfthepalliddawn!

Otheghostlyfaces,Ashen-likeanddrawn!

TheLord\'slonesentinelsDotteddowntheyears,ThelittlegreycompanyBeforethepioneers。

DreamingofUtopiasErethetimewasripe,Theyawoketoscorning,Thejeeringandthestrife。

DreamingofmillenniumsInaworldofwars,TheyawoketoshudderAtaflamingMars。

NeverwasaLutherButaHusswasfirst——

AfountainunregardedIntheprimalthirst。

NeverwasaNewtonCrownedandhonouredwell,Butfirst,alone,GalileoWastedinacell。

Ineachother\'sfacesLookedthepioneers;

DrankthewineofcourageAlltheirbattleyears。

FortheirwearysowingThroughtheworldwide,GreentheysawtheharvestErethedaytheydied。

Butthegrey,greycompanyStoodeverymanaloneInthechillydawnlight,ScarcelyhadtheyknownErethedaytheyperished,Thattheirbeacon-starWasnotglintofmarsh-lightIntheshadowsfar。

ThebravewhitewitnessesTothetruthwithinTookthedartoffolly,Tookthejeerofsin;